Use your common sense and some simple steps to ensure your online shopping is as safe as possible.

There are many advantages to shopping online—you can shop at any time that is convenient to you, car parking frustrations are eliminated and your purchases are delivered to your door!

But there are some security traps to watch out for. When you shop online, make sure you are smart about the whole purchasing process:

  • Know who you are dealing with;
  • Know what you are buying;
  • Be confident you will get what you have paid for; and
  • Ensure that your account and credit card details are being dealt with safely.

What you can do…

Before making the purchase

  1. Know who you are dealing with—check that contact details are correct.
  2. Read the description of the product carefully—check the size, colour, value and safety of the product
  3. Read all the fine print including refund and complaints handling policies
  4. Check the currency, postage and handling and other charges—there may be extra charges you aren't aware of
  5. Check the final cost before paying

Making the payment

  1. Only pay via a secure web page (one that has https at the beginning of the address bar and a locked padlock at the bottom of the browser screen)
  2. Use a secure payment method such as PayPal, BPay, or your credit card. Avoid money transfers and direct debit, as these can be open to abuse
  3. Never send your bank or credit card details via email—only via a secure Web page—see above
  4. Always print and keep a copy of the transaction

Use your common sense and trust your instincts…

Most shoppers know the warning signs to look for when buying something in a shop: the same applies to shopping online. Be wary if:

  1. The website looks suspicious or unprofessional;
  2. The website is offering bargains which look too good to be true; or
  3. You are not confident about their use of your information or that you will get what you pay for.

Further information

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has a section on their website about This link will take you off the Stay Smart Online websitesmart online shopping.

If you have a complaint or want to report an online shopping incident contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Infocentre on 1300 302 502.